Medications For Cerebral Palsy

Many medications can help patients who suffer from cerebral palsy attorney paralysis decrease spasticity in muscles, and also increase flexibility. Certain medications may cause undesirable side effects or safety risks especially when used over a long period of time.

Surgery isn't a solution for CP but it can improve mobility and reduce pain. It can also decrease seizures, Cerebral Palsy lawyers which are life-threatening for those with CP.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive disorders that affect movement and posture, including the muscles in the arms and legs. The condition can be seen in infancy or early childhood and is caused by damage or abnormalities within the brain. The injury may have occurred while the baby was still in the womb or shortly after birth, though doctors do not always know the exact cause.

The first step towards a diagnosis of CP is for your child's doctor to examine him or her. The doctor will give the baby a test to determine the strength of his or her muscles and reflexes as well as movements. They will also keep track of the baby's development over time to determine if he is in line with the milestones.

If a doctor suspects there is there is something not right, they might conduct an imaging examination. The most frequent test is an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain as well as any structures inside it. The MRI can detect changes in CP in the brain of your child. Another option is an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to create images of the brain and organs of your child. This test is more suitable for infants who are still very young, but it may not be as helpful at diagnosing problems associated with CP.

A doctor could refer your child, addition to an MRI or CT scan, to a pediatric physiatrist (a doctor with special training on diseases of children that affect the spine, muscles, and nerves). These specialists can assist in providing a more accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your child.

Treatment

Each child has a different CP and each requires a different plan of care. Your family may be part of an expert team, which includes neurosurgeons and pediatric neurologists along with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and child development specialist. The experts will form an inter-disciplinary treatment team with your family to monitor your child's progress.

Doctors can determine a diagnosis of CP in light of the child's symptoms and their history. They can also conduct a physical exam to check for Cerebral palsy lawyers signs and symptoms of the condition, including muscles being weak or tight in walking or moving, problems with speech and intelligence and abnormal reflexes.

Doctors might be able to determine that your child has CP if certain risk factors are present. For instance, if your child was born in the breech position or is having a difficult labor and delivery, they are more likely to suffer from CP. The risk of having cerebral Palsy lawyers palsy is higher for children who are younger than their gestational age. The risk of cerebral palsy law firm palsy is increased by complications during labor and delivery. This includes infections, high fevers and other conditions which hinder the flow of oxygen to the brain.

The use of medicines can improve your child's ability to move and lessen pain and stiffness in muscles. They can be administered orally, into muscles or infused into the spinal fluid that surrounds your cord. They can also be used to manage seizures and other ailments, like epilepsy, that often develop with cerebral palsy.

Preventing CP

Although there's no way you can stop the majority of cases of CP, which are related to genetics however, you can take steps to reduce the risk. If you can, take advantage of regular prenatal medical attention. Examine any health concerns prior to pregnancy. Be up-to-date on your vaccinations during pregnancy. Certain infections -- such as rubella and cytomegalovirus -- are linked to an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy in infants.

Babies with CP may be slow to learn how to sit, crawl and walk. They might have a low muscle tone (hypotonia) which causes them to appear sloppy or relaxed. They could have a high muscle tone, which makes their bodies feel stiff and rigid. They could be inclined towards one side of the body or exhibit symptoms of speech issues or seizures.

About 75% of people with CP have spastic CP which causes muscles to become stiff and tight. Some have only a handful of affected muscles, while others suffer from more severe spasticity that affects all of their muscles as well as those in their face and mouth. This type of CP is known as spastic hemoplegia and can lead to a curved spine (scoliosis) or difficulty swallowing.

Another type of CP is dyskinetic CP that results in movements that are slow and twisty or rapid and fast and jerky. It can make your legs or face appear to be in a trance, and you could get a little drooling. Certain people with CP may have more than one form of CP. Each type is different.

Living with CP

Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. It can be mild or severe. Some people with CP require only minimal assistance while others are unable to move and require a wheelchair. The most severe cases can lead to a total body paralysis known as spastic quadriplegia.

Children with CP might benefit from physical, speech and occupational therapy to improve their posture, balance and movements. Surgery may be needed to correct issues with their joints or bones. They may experience hearing loss, pain and fatigue and excessive drooling, and difficulty in recognizing sensations. Some sufferers with CP develop depression which is between three and four times more prevalent than the general population.

Many people who have CP reside in their own homes, participate in community activities and receive assistance from a personal source. They can also find jobs but some may have to make adjustments. People with CP are typically prematurely aging as their bodies struggle with the extra stress.

Even with the most severe symptoms, those suffering from CP can live a happy and fulfilled life. They may have family members, friends and careers. They can also join local support groups to help them find local resources and connect with others who have CP. Financial assistance is offered by foundations and various organizations to ease the burden for a family so they can focus on getting quality care. You may be entitled to compensation if medical carelessness of a healthcare professional resulted in your child's cerebral paralysis. Find out if you're eligible for a free review of your case today.